Learning to eat isn't easy... phew, our babies (and older children) have a big task ahead of them.
Many different physiological and psychological processes occur simultaneously. Most of us adults probably don't think much about it anymore - for many of us, we eat without thinking about it.
But our children don't just do that. They spend their first two years of life mastering eating skills. In addition, they spend their time at home learning to develop a pleasant and natural relationship with food (which is also naturally connected to having a good relationship with their body) through the meals we eat together as a family.
We parents are their teachers. Our children mirror our behavior and eating patterns 100%. But actually, our children are also our teachers - they can teach us a lot about listening to our bodies and eating more intuitively. And we need to learn to listen.
Transition Food and Senses
When our babies start solid food around 4-6 months of age, it's a huge sensory experience for them. Therefore, it's important to start food only when the baby seems ready. Definitely not before 4 months and preferably as close to 6 months as possible (especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding). If your baby is very ready for spoon-feeding from, for example, 4 1/2 months, you can slowly introduce spoon-feeding then.
For the first many months, the purpose of transition food is not to satiate the baby. Breast milk/formula continues to be the primary source of nutrition.
The purpose of transition food in the first months is to familiarize the baby with the brave new world of solid food. The entire sensory apparatus is running at full throttle when the baby gets to experience food. The baby sees the food, smells it, feels it on their lips and in their mouth, hears the food from the smacking sounds that mom/dad and the baby themselves make, and tastes the food.
Transition food is thus primarily used during this period to stimulate the senses and to become familiar with the new, big task of eating.
Some babies quickly become comfortable enough to eat the food. For others, it takes longer to feel secure. That's perfectly fine! Because, as mentioned earlier, it's not a success criterion that the baby EATS the food. It's a success when you have helped give the baby a good experience with food and with mealtime.
The meal should be characterized by coziness, presence, and love. Because that gives the baby a good foundation to feel secure. There should be absolutely no pressure. The baby determines the pace.
As the baby is allowed to examine and explore the food (and thereby become comfortable with it), they will also eat more and more.
And from here, the baby's magical food journey continues. Because it is truly magical that our children learn this extremely complicated task of eating. They are super tough!
Remember to let your baby guide you - our babies always have a lot to "tell" if you listen.
Lovingly,
Charlotte
JOIN CLUB MINI
Club Mini is my large online eating universe for you with a baby in the house.
Here I show you how to teach your baby to have wonderful meal experiences and lots of food joy.
Click on the image to learn more about the magical food universe.
